12 Jun 2010 --- Ropak Packaging has won the 2010 AmeriStar Award in two categories for its breakthrough Diamond Weave Technology containers.  The AmeriStar awards are presented each year by the IOPP (the Institute of Packaging Professionals) and are known in the trade as the 'Oscars of Packaging'.

Ropak picked up awards this year for its 1-gallon rigid plastic container in both the 'Beverage' category for Truco Enterprises' 'On the Border Margarita Mix' product and the 'Other Retail' category for National Gypsum's 'DustTech Professional Formula Lite Joint Compound' product.

Ropak's patent-pending Diamond Weave Technology involves using an innovative diamond lattice pattern on the internal surface of the container to add structural strength to its wall. Coupled with polypropylene resin, this allows for significant reductions in both the amount of source material used and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced, while retaining the same stack strength, functionality and billboard area as a non-diamond container.

The new 1-gallon container contains 33% less source material and cuts GHG emissions by 38% compared with the old container, as well as offering significantly improved Walmart Scorecard results.

It also features a lid with a channel for dipping the edge of margarita glasses in salt, as well as improved IML (in-mold labeling) decoration for enhanced retail shelf appeal, and better access to the cover for consumer convenience.

Ropak's Marketing Manager, Pansy Leo, commented: "Ropak continues to be a leader in innovative rigid plastic packaging with its Diamond Weave Technology. It's our next generation of consumer-oriented packaging that meets the market's need for more environmentally friendly containers through their significantly lighter weight and much lower GHG emissions."